OUR VIEW: 2013 events provide good 2014 preview

Any doubt that Rutherford County is part of the global economy should have ended in 2013 as several international companies announced plans to expand or relocate in the community, providing optimism that effects of the Great Recession might finally be over.

In many ways, however, 2013 seemed not only a year of transition for the county's economy but also for its leadership and political structure.

Nissan continues to expand its employment in Rutherford County and add to its facilities. Joining it were Calsonic Kansei and Schwan Cosmetics that plans to locate its U.S. headquarters and a production facility in Murfreesboro.

Schwan not only achieves the city's goal of locating a new corporate headquarters in its boundaries but also helps provide diversification for the economy.

The importance of the global economy also in evidence with the efforts of Middle Tennessee State University to expand its international ties, particularly with China.

Continuing growth in the county is evident with the opening of a high school in northern Rutherford County and the building of a new elementary school in western Murfreesboro.

The county school system is involving in several renovation projects for school facilities, and the city school system is engaging in a multi-million dollar technology upgrade.

Although the next election season will be in 2014, based on the number of announcements and political activities, it already was underway in 2013.

One major change is that the County Commission will become a partisan body in 2014 as the county Republican Party holds a primary to select nominees for the commission seats.

The Republican Party also is challenging the political makeup of the 16th Judicial District, with GOP nominees to challenge Democratic incumbents.

Retirements of District Attorney William Whitesell and Chancellor Robert Corlew already were bringing changes in the judiciary.

Local government already has seen and will continue to see major changes.

Mary Esther Reed succeeded Tony Dover as mayor of Smyrna after his resignation and will seek election to a full term next year. In the aftermath of that change, Mark O'Neal resigned as Smyrna town manager, and Harry Gill, former county schools director, succeeded him.

Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg will not seek re-election, and council members Shane McFarland and Ron Washington already are campaigning to succeed him.

We help these political changes will further trends that promote good employment opportunities for county residents.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

OUR VIEW: 2013 events provide good 2014 preview

Any doubt that Rutherford County is part of the global economy should have ended in 2013 as several international companies announced plans to expand or relocate in the community, providing optimism